My husband and I’ve been residing in Cairo, Egypt, for a 12 months and a half, and we additionally had our first daughter since we moved right here. Between the town’s summers with temperatures exceeding 100 levels and cooler winter days within the 60s, I’ve skilled the nation’s excessive desert climates and gown accordingly, all whereas navigating motherhood. 

Moreover, I’ve developed a listing of my must-have gadgets primarily based on a few of my favourite issues to do right here, like playing golf and going to the beach. (Regardless of being a desert, Egypt has a few of the finest resort cities I’ve ever seen.) All in all, don’t underestimate the number of necessities you’ll want on your Egyptian journey. Forward, you’ll discover all the pieces I by no means depart residence with out—and inform guests to pack—together with sightseeing requirements.

Packing Guidelines for Egypt

Clothes

Sneakers and Equipment

Gear and Different Necessities

Clothes

As a cosmopolitan metropolis, folks put on a spread of apparel; Despite the fact that you may get away with shorter silhouettes widespread at residence, I favor longer light-weight clothes that protects me from the sun’s strong rays. When packing, I start by laying out my suitcase, toiletry bag, and packing cubes. Then, from clothes to socks, I manage my packing cubes primarily based on the gadgets inside them.

Earlier than transferring right here, I stocked up on inexpensive white and beige-colored linen items from cult-favorite model Quince. Moreover, this Marcella midi-dress turned my go-to as you’ll be able to simply gown it up for brunch on the one-of-a-kind KHUFU’s restaurant in entrance of the pyramids or a day on the underrated Gayer Anderson museum, situated proper subsequent to the must-visit medieval Ibn Tulun mosque. 

When out and about, you received’t draw consideration in case your knees are coated. Many individuals put on sleeveless tops and clothes, particularly if it’s actually scorching exterior, besides at spiritual websites the place you’ll be denied entry at a mosque in case your knees, shoulders, and head (for girls) aren’t coated. The one different factor I extremely suggest having is sun-protective clothing, or not less than investing in a swimsuit with built-in UPF. 

Sneakers and Equipment 

Between the mud and the dearth of sidewalks, your footwear will get soiled. Should you love the breezy, all-white monochromatic appear like me, that is one thing I dwell with after I rock my white Veja sneakers and matching linen set. For the times after I need to swap issues up, I get away my comfy Rothy’s flats, which I’m not afraid to mess up for the reason that model is beloved for machine-washable footwear. 

As famous, a girl must cowl her head with a scarf, and everybody has to take off their footwear when visiting a mosque, so I counsel carrying footwear with socks. Typically the mosque can have plastic covers that appear like bathe caps you’ll be able to place over your footwear, or there are cubbies the place you’ll be able to depart your pair behind. Should you go for both, simply carry small payments because the attendant will ask you for a tip. To keep away from this, you might be able to merely carry your footwear with you as you tour the mosque. 

Different equipment I end my appears to be like with are my tan baseball cap that doesn’t get soiled simply and my Ray-ban Meta glasses. Between climbing out and in of the pyramids and having to be further alert when crossing the busy, pedestrian light-free streets, the protective eyewear is a good way to remain hands-free with out lacking memorable moments as I can take photos with a click on of button. 

Gear and Different Necessities

Cairo is a spread-out metropolis with heavy visitors, relying on the time of day, so it’s finest to have all the pieces you want with you. (The roads are fairly clear early within the morning on the weekends, that are Friday and Saturday, as Egypt follows the Islamic calendar. Needless to say this schedule will have an effect on the time websites are open.)

All in all, you received’t final a full sightseeing day and not using a water bottle, sunscreen (which is vital to persistently reapply), and a portable charger as a result of excessive warmth can have an effect on your battery life. I additionally wish to deal with myself to a Dior balm that may revitalize and moisturize my palms, physique, and lips—plus, it smells incredible. And since there will not be cleaning soap or bathroom paper within the public loos, I all the time have the Aesop rinse-free hand wash and Goodwipes with me. 

As well as, whereas Cairo is lined with espresso and dessert outlets, there’s usually no place to seize a fast chunk on the main websites exterior of the capital metropolis, so I rely on snacks in my bag for a pick-me-up. These must-haves and extra all pile into my Dagne Dover backpack that doubles as a diaper bag and comes with a life-saving altering pad, which is one thing I’ve solely seen as soon as within the rest room of a restaurant.

Lastly, I’d suggest you add Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners and Islamic Monuments in Cairo to your cart. The spotlight of any Egyptian trip is the prospect to see historic temples and tombs on a scale like nowhere else on this planet. Make the expertise much more immersive by studying to learn the language the traditional Egyptians left behind. Whereas I’m not but fluent, there’s nothing extra thrilling than recognizing a phrase or phrase in a powerful temple, because of Invoice Manley’s guide. On the similar time, there’s extra to Egypt than its historic websites, Cairo has an entrancing outdated metropolis stuffed with medieval mosques and monuments which might be almost 1,000 years outdated. My husband and I’ve been following Caroline Williams’ guide of architectural strolling excursions for actually off-the-beaten-path experiences. 

You Would possibly Additionally Want

Along with a sightseeing keep in Cairo and the encompassing areas, there are different widespread actions across the nation which might be price a go to. Whereas some require only a few packing record changes like a luxe Nile cruise, extra energetic endeavors would require planning forward to order valuable suitcase house for mountaineering attire, seashore gear, and different sporty necessities.

• {Golfing}: Golfers rejoice! The costly sport could be very inexpensive in Cairo and is accessible at many main accommodations, together with the famed Gezira Sporting Membership, Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, which is understood for its breathtaking views of the pyramids, and extra. My husband and I are even members of the Katameya Heights membership, the place I sport my enjoyable, printed golf apparel. Should you’re on the fence about bringing your golf clubs, simply know that you may get loads of use out of them.  
• Watersports: Egypt could also be a desert, however don’t sleep on the watersports accessible to you, and take into account packing necessary gear. Vacationers flock to snorkel and scuba dive within the Crimson Sea for the varied marine life and extraordinary coral reefs, like these throughout the Ras Mohammed Nationwide Park situated within the resort metropolis of Sharm El Sheik. Dahab is one other close by snorkeling vacation spot with essentially the most calm and tranquil environment. Additionally, when you’re visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, take into account cooling off at Hurghada’s white sand seashores full with kite browsing, on high of snorkeling and scuba diving.   
• Cruising: Sure, you must splurge on a luxury cruise along the Nile. It’s a surreal and magical expertise that’s nonetheless on my must-do record of issues earlier than we depart early subsequent 12 months. In line with our mates, cheaping out on a Nile cruise has led many to unhealthy experiences. You must also take into account going between October and April when the climate is good, so that you received’t get hit with warmth waves and sandstorms. 

Often Requested Questions

What gadgets aren’t allowed in Egypt?

According to the Egypt E-Visa site, there’s an extended record of prohibited gadgets, together with “explosives, medicine, firearms, narcotics, antiques, agriculture, meals merchandise, and extra.” You must also receive a allow beforehand to have the ability to carry a drone into the nation. 

How can I get round Egypt?

Whilst a full-time resident, I nonetheless use my worldwide roaming that’s included at no further value with my T-Mobile monthly plan. It’s quick sufficient to have the ability to navigate utilizing Google Maps and name an Uber. You too can get an area SIM through Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and extra on the Cairo airport or when you get to your remaining vacation spot. 

General, getting round Cairo is extraordinarily inexpensive, however there are tiers. Strolling and even simply crossing the road may be nerve-racking as a result of there are not any crosswalks, pedestrian lights, and visitors received’t decelerate for you. Then, there are low-cost cabs, however I don’t suggest hailing one until you’re in a position to negotiate costs or are prepared to provide your driver instructions in Arabic. The subsequent possibility is Uber, which is hit and miss as a result of the app is glitchy, and chances are you’ll be advised to cross a busy freeway to be picked up. I all the time select Uber Consolation for a better likelihood of getting a greater driver in a nicer automobile with air-con. 

In fact, a personal driver is the way in which to go, and most information providers can set this up for you. For a easy begin to your journey, I counsel hiring private transportation and an expeditor who can meet you earlier than customs and whisk you thru immigration very quickly. There’s sometimes a sea of individuals asking when you want baggage and transportation providers on the airport, so this can be a approach to keep away from being overcharged and bothered.

Why Belief Journey + Leisure

Isis Briones is a journey author who has lived in Egypt along with her six-month-old daughter and husband, who’s a diplomat, for a 12 months and a half. Not solely did she carry her child again from the U.S. to Cairo when she was solely two months outdated, however they’ve additionally traveled to and from the desert vacation spot many occasions since transferring. 

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